As the Asia Cup 2025 heads into its crucial group stage fixtures, Bangladesh face Afghanistan in a do-or-die clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday, September 16. Both sides have the chance to seal their spot in the Super Four, making this encounter pivotal for their continental ambitions.
Afghanistan: Confidence Riding High
Afghanistan enter this match on the back of a dominant win against Hong Kong. Led by Rashid Khan, the Afghans showcased clinical batting and spin bowling in their opener. The highlight was Azmatullah Omarzai’s record-breaking half-century from No. 6, a blazing 53 off just 21 balls, striking five sixes and two fours. He shared an 82-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal (73*), guiding Afghanistan to a 94-run win.
Their bowling unit lived up to expectations, with spinners like Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and AM Ghazanfar controlling the middle overs. Mohammad Nabi, rested in the opener, is expected to return, adding depth to both the batting and bowling departments. Afghanistan’s momentum, experience, and NRR of 4.700 make them the favorites heading into this must-win game.
Bangladesh: Survival Mode
Bangladesh’s campaign began promisingly with a win over Hong Kong, but a heavy loss to Sri Lanka exposed several frailties. Batting collapses, two maiden overs at the start, and subpar catching left them chasing shadows. While Shamim Hossain (42) and Jaker Ali (41)** offered resistance, it wasn’t enough.
The Tigers must lift their game against Afghanistan. Litton Das will captain and anchor the innings, with Towhid Hridoy and Parvez Hossain Emon providing support. Taskin Ahmed is expected to return to the bowling lineup, replacing Shoriful Islam, which could stabilize the pace attack. Mustafizur Rahman will need to strike early against Afghanistan’s in-form top order to keep the Tigers in contention.
Key Players to Watch
- Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG): Explosive middle-order batter and handy bowler. Fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan in Asia Cup history.
- Shamim Hossain (BAN): Reliable finisher, often tasked with rescuing Bangladesh from collapse.
Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan (probable): Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Bangladesh (probable): Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Pitch and Conditions
The Zayed Cricket Stadium has favored batters in the tournament so far, though bowlers have found assistance as the innings progresses. Under lights, spinners may dominate the latter half of the match. High temperatures are expected, but dew should not be a significant factor, making batting first a sensible choice.
Stats and Trivia
- Bangladesh played two maiden overs at the start of their Sri Lanka innings — only the second occurrence in men’s T20I matches between Full-Member teams.
- Omarzai’s 20-ball fifty is the fastest for Afghanistan in the Asia Cup, surpassing Mohammad Nabi’s 21-ball effort against Ireland in 2017.
- In head-to-head T20Is, Afghanistan hold a slight edge: 7 wins to Bangladesh’s 5 in 12 encounters.
What’s at Stake
For Afghanistan, a win could confirm their place in the Super Four and give them a boost in confidence. For Bangladesh, it’s a virtual knockout — defeat could end their Asia Cup journey before it truly begins. Fans can expect an intense contest with high drama, strategic spin battles, and pivotal contributions from all departments.
